In her practice, the transformation of material is central.Bregje Sliepenbeek is fascinated by the metamorphosis she can apply to metal – themagic of transforming a cold, hard material into something that feels soft andorganic. Flat aluminum sheets bend under her hands into curved, cushion-likeforms; almost bodily. Bregje explores her material in a tactile way, as if shecannot bear the hardness of the metal and wants to infuse it with a femininesoftness.
This tension between hard and soft, industrial and natural,lies at the heart of her work. Not only in the material itself, but also in themaking process: the physically heavy, aggressive deformation contrasted withconcentrated, meditative craftsmanship.
Visually, Bregje Sliepenbeek is inspired by places wherecity and nature intersect. Ivy clinging to a metal pipe, a flower growingthrough a grate. In her work, she seeks that same force: how forms expand,overgrow, break free.
With these shapes, Bregje expresses her fascination for thespontaneous fusion of humanity and nature. No matter how much we try to controlit, to replace it with concrete, asphalt, and steel, greenery inevitably pushesits way through paving stones, fences, and walls.
Her works are industrial altars to the fragile beauty andthe indomitable power of nature. Metal Gardens of Babylon. A tribute to herpersistence.
